GHERARDI & MOORE GENERAL DENTISTRY ALBUQUERQUE

Do you experience high levels of anxiety when visiting the dentist? You may be a candidate for Sedation Dentistry. Dr. Gherardi, Dr. Moore and Dr. Gherardi can give you sedatives to take prior to your visit to make your whole dental experience more positive. These sedatives are often combined with nitrous oxide in our office to allow us to control your level of relaxation to your comfort.

ADVANTAGES TO PATIENTS INCLUDE:

• Treatment is completed when you are in a more relaxed mood.
• You will have less difficulty sitting through a lengthy procedure.
• Multiple treatments can occur during the same visit.
• Less discomfort after treatment.

ANTI-ANXIETY PILLS

The most commonly prescribed dental-related drugs that treat anxiety belong to the “benzodiazepine” family. Drugs such as Valium, Halcion, Xanax, or Ativan. These drugs decrease anxiety by binding and toning down activity within “fear” receptors in the brain.

While benzodiazepines act as sedatives AND anti-anxiety drugs, some are highly targeted at areas within the brain that focus on sleep. Others act in a more specific way and target fear centers in the brain. In most cases, higher doses act as sedatives and induce sleep, while in lower doses, they reduce anxiety without sedation.

Benzodiazepines are also Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants (i.e. there can be a decline in blood pressure and breathing). It is important to note that they shouldn’t be mixed with other CNS depressants such as alcohol. Its important that you utilize the dose your dentist or doctor recommends. It is possible to overdose, and overdoses could lower your breathing to dangerously low levels, which could result in coma or death.

Please note that you shouldn’t travel on your own after you’ve taken any of these drugs. Make sure you have an escort, even if you traveled by bus or foot! It’s easy to become disoriented.

When not to take benzodiazepines:

Some of these drugs can affect your liver and heart. It’s important to check with your practitioner and/or pharmacist. You should be sure to inform your doctor or dentist if any of the following apply: known allergy to the drug, narrow-angle glaucoma, pregnancy, severe respiratory disease (COPD), congestive heart failure (CHF), impaired kidney or liver function, depression/bipolar disorder/psychoses, chronic bronchitis, and some other conditions. It’s also important to let us know if you are taking other medications. There could be possible drug interactions.

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